2007 Wine

The full-bodied, powerful, pure 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is another outstanding effort revealing notes of spring flowers, toasty oak, creme de cassis, licorice, and graphite. One would have to go back to the 1990, 1991, 2001, or 2002 to find a Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve this impressive. The 2007 should evolve for 20-25 years.

"Bright dark red. Complex, lively aromas of cherry, licorice, chocolate, tobacco leaf and spices. A juicy, spicy midweight with excellent tension and finesse to its youthfully imploded fruit, spice and chocolatey oak flavors. A very successful offering from Silver Oak, finishing with substantial dusty tannins, noteworthy length and a light touch. Aged for a full two years in 100% new American oak, but the oak element is not at all overbearing."

Pretty dry and tannic, but redeemed by good, ripe blackberry, black cherry and smoky cedar flavors. Shows some real flair and richness. Drink now.

Blended from wines of a single year, LBV ages from four to six years in cask and is ready to drink when bottled. Its concentrated fruity flavor and firm, full-bodied style make Taylor’s LBV the perfect port to accompany chocolate desserts, and blue cheeses such as Stilton or Roquefort.

The 2007 Gattinara bursts from the glass with sweet red cherries, tobacco, incense and grilled herbs. There is an immediacy to the 2007 that is quite appealing. At the same time, the firm Nebbiolo tannins are present and serve to balance the wine's more overt leanings. I very much like the way the 2007 continues to open up in the glass. Overall this looks to be a tasty, early-drinking Gattinara from Travaglini. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017.